I'm a huge kdrama fan and I'm a lazy person when it comes to writing. I just couldn't help myself of giving my opinion about such a well-directed kdrama! Unforgettable performances! In love with the characters! How strong, sensible and sensitive they are. My view about the corporative world has just changed forever!
I found out I really didn't know what working for big companies can be.
Well written, well directed, wonderfully played! Get some free time on your schedule and be amazed by this awesome drama!
39 Reviews
Inspired
keef-484365 March 2021
Warning: Spoilers
There is so much I loved about this show. Really great acting and a really good range of characters that seemed fleshed out.
The story seemed plausible and I thought they would resort to grandiose deux ex machina tropes to bail out characters from their struggles, but almost always resolutions were credible or did not resolve in the typical westernized happy ever after.
I'm in sales myself and was riveted to seeing an intelligent show that depicted my career in a way I haven't really seen done well on tv. While my industry is different the parallels are strong.
As a manager I identified so much with Mr. Oh, but also reminded of my younger self with the newbies.
It was soooo refreshing to leave out romance for the sake of romance and while I think there was a suggestion of office romance it was never front and center.
This show features some truly exceptional smart and capable women but did not gloss over their struggles.
I was inspired because I felt it showcased how hard we in sales work and what it takes to succeed. Often people in other departments think we just have three hour client lunches and don't realize what goes into it or how much of an emotional roller coaster it is.
Mr Oh is everything I aspire to be as a leader. Meticulous, tough, compassionate, charismatic. His team would take a billet for him. Managers like that are few and far in between but they do exist in real life.
The story seemed plausible and I thought they would resort to grandiose deux ex machina tropes to bail out characters from their struggles, but almost always resolutions were credible or did not resolve in the typical westernized happy ever after.
I'm in sales myself and was riveted to seeing an intelligent show that depicted my career in a way I haven't really seen done well on tv. While my industry is different the parallels are strong.
As a manager I identified so much with Mr. Oh, but also reminded of my younger self with the newbies.
It was soooo refreshing to leave out romance for the sake of romance and while I think there was a suggestion of office romance it was never front and center.
This show features some truly exceptional smart and capable women but did not gloss over their struggles.
I was inspired because I felt it showcased how hard we in sales work and what it takes to succeed. Often people in other departments think we just have three hour client lunches and don't realize what goes into it or how much of an emotional roller coaster it is.
Mr Oh is everything I aspire to be as a leader. Meticulous, tough, compassionate, charismatic. His team would take a billet for him. Managers like that are few and far in between but they do exist in real life.
a gem in disguise
mysafeshop25 February 2022
So its the year 2022 writing this review, stuff going on around the world, yet this piece of art somehow found its way to my tv screen and everything and nothing going on makes sense, neither on or off my screen - just a way of speech, =) - a lot of stuff doesnt make sense to the newbies in this captivating series, clashing with wornout management traditions and ways of doing business. Another timeless korean tv drama piece conveying timeless relations being born, broken and reborn, cut, polished and refined through seemingly mindless and senseless, perhaps sometimes even simply unnecessay conflicts, commenting on the value and essence of human existence - yes heavy stuff like this can indeed play out within the confinements of the stereotyped office cubicle. Sprinkle a great sense of humour throughout the inhumane pressure and toughness and you have a sense of following the stories of real people - not just real actors playing real people. Over the last couple of years Ive come to respect the acting skillls of korean artists and this series is an awesome awesome get together of many many actors Ive seen in many other tv shows by now, be it romcoms, thrillers, familydramas, you name it - it's a great series for a k-tv beginner mind you if the somewhat adult corporate setting appeals to you. If not, check it out anyway and let yourself be surprised by and immersed in an unexpected display of real human sense and emotion, the so-called good and the so-called bad - you just mightt discover a good story always gifts you with something precious to self-reflect upon. Enjoy. Much much appreciated.
Hits close to heart
crystallisque5 April 2016
I'm not usually one for Korean TV, and before seeing Misaeng, I never thought I'd enjoy an 'office drama' so much.
Featuring structures of the traditional 'bildungsroman', snapshots into the grueling lives of salary-men and office politics, the show intertwines these concepts with humour, emotion, reflectiveness, wisdom, finely executed through a fitting soundtrack, impeccable cinematography and directing and outstanding acting.
A solid show thematically, it handles with great sensitivity and deftness the many delicately captured aspects of human nature and society. The characters and their development throughout the story are extremely well written and by far one of the most impressive aspects of the show, fleshed out by the complexity and subtle nuance of the relationships depicted. Entirely believable in both their strengths and vulnerabilities, the show allows an audience to connect with the characters on a very fundamental level.
You will find something of yourself, or someone that you know reflected in the characters of the show, the persistent underdog in Gurae who struggles against all odds, the talented but down to earth Young Yi whose exceptional ability as a woman incurs the resentment of her colleagues, the at first seemingly stoic Oh Sang Sik who over the course of the show reveals his deep capacity for empathy and self-sacrifice. Even the 'villains' are never cliché, one-dimensional cardboard cutouts to fill a gap in the story, but all serve towards Misaeng's intimate and moving exploration of the human condition.
Misaeng shows many aspects of mundane life, but never itself, becomes mundane, taking the viewer on a at times beautifully poignant, vividly evocative and greatly inspiring journey from start to finish.
As I believe this is a show that leaves a viewer of any demographic something to take away, I'd urge anyone reading this to give it a try.
For me, Misaeng certainly gave another small unexpected fragment to the missing pieces of my 'incomplete life.'
Featuring structures of the traditional 'bildungsroman', snapshots into the grueling lives of salary-men and office politics, the show intertwines these concepts with humour, emotion, reflectiveness, wisdom, finely executed through a fitting soundtrack, impeccable cinematography and directing and outstanding acting.
A solid show thematically, it handles with great sensitivity and deftness the many delicately captured aspects of human nature and society. The characters and their development throughout the story are extremely well written and by far one of the most impressive aspects of the show, fleshed out by the complexity and subtle nuance of the relationships depicted. Entirely believable in both their strengths and vulnerabilities, the show allows an audience to connect with the characters on a very fundamental level.
You will find something of yourself, or someone that you know reflected in the characters of the show, the persistent underdog in Gurae who struggles against all odds, the talented but down to earth Young Yi whose exceptional ability as a woman incurs the resentment of her colleagues, the at first seemingly stoic Oh Sang Sik who over the course of the show reveals his deep capacity for empathy and self-sacrifice. Even the 'villains' are never cliché, one-dimensional cardboard cutouts to fill a gap in the story, but all serve towards Misaeng's intimate and moving exploration of the human condition.
Misaeng shows many aspects of mundane life, but never itself, becomes mundane, taking the viewer on a at times beautifully poignant, vividly evocative and greatly inspiring journey from start to finish.
As I believe this is a show that leaves a viewer of any demographic something to take away, I'd urge anyone reading this to give it a try.
For me, Misaeng certainly gave another small unexpected fragment to the missing pieces of my 'incomplete life.'
It's real - as real as K-drama can get
rielhawk30 September 2018
I've had my doubts when checking out the cast - it sure looked like an office romance to me, but man, I was wrong.
This is not romance nor is it a mere office soap. It's about people working in an office and the moments they share with each other. You got each office type you'd meet in real life portrayed as realistitc as possible for a drama series. You get to know each person's flaws even and yet you never end up fully hating on anyone. Every person has a believable storyline, motives, motivations.
On a sidenote, I'm an offive employee as well. Most of Misaeng is what my life is about - the work, the colleagues, the problems and epically funny moments, the bullying, the psychos, the coffee breaks... Wish I was as ambitious as Jang Gu-Rae, but mostly I enjoyed his naivety when facing problems and his loyalty towards Oh Sang-Shik and his colleagues.
My favourite characters would be Oh Sang-Shik, Kang Hae-Joon and Han Seok-Yool. I remember my first job as an intern and that first boss. The only boss so far I've ever actually looked up to (well, before that I'd worked at schools which was a completely different experience anyhow). Oh Sang-Shik reminded me of my boss, the only boss I've ever met that was absolutely loyal and who everyone was loyal to because of that. I've learnt alot from him and will always be grateful. Manager Kang, oh well, not gonna lie, I have a weakness for people like that and I loved his taste in women - I think this is the manager I'd definitely learn the most from. While on the other hand, Seok-Yool, that one co-worker you really need in an office, who has more empathy than anyone else, yet sometimes seems like a dork. He's that good soul that'll keep the group together no matter what.
I don't really want to go to work tomorrow, it's a heck load of work and people are sick these days, so it's more work for those who aren't on sick leave - but I feel motivated after finishing Misaeng.
10/10 would recommend because Misaeng has that spark - that charisma that so many k-dramas are missing.
This is not romance nor is it a mere office soap. It's about people working in an office and the moments they share with each other. You got each office type you'd meet in real life portrayed as realistitc as possible for a drama series. You get to know each person's flaws even and yet you never end up fully hating on anyone. Every person has a believable storyline, motives, motivations.
On a sidenote, I'm an offive employee as well. Most of Misaeng is what my life is about - the work, the colleagues, the problems and epically funny moments, the bullying, the psychos, the coffee breaks... Wish I was as ambitious as Jang Gu-Rae, but mostly I enjoyed his naivety when facing problems and his loyalty towards Oh Sang-Shik and his colleagues.
My favourite characters would be Oh Sang-Shik, Kang Hae-Joon and Han Seok-Yool. I remember my first job as an intern and that first boss. The only boss so far I've ever actually looked up to (well, before that I'd worked at schools which was a completely different experience anyhow). Oh Sang-Shik reminded me of my boss, the only boss I've ever met that was absolutely loyal and who everyone was loyal to because of that. I've learnt alot from him and will always be grateful. Manager Kang, oh well, not gonna lie, I have a weakness for people like that and I loved his taste in women - I think this is the manager I'd definitely learn the most from. While on the other hand, Seok-Yool, that one co-worker you really need in an office, who has more empathy than anyone else, yet sometimes seems like a dork. He's that good soul that'll keep the group together no matter what.
I don't really want to go to work tomorrow, it's a heck load of work and people are sick these days, so it's more work for those who aren't on sick leave - but I feel motivated after finishing Misaeng.
10/10 would recommend because Misaeng has that spark - that charisma that so many k-dramas are missing.
Powerful Series About the Korean Corporate World!
spasek24 February 2018
Warning: Spoilers
So far, I have seen three Korean dramas that have blown me away. "Descendants of the Sun," "Stranger," and now "Misaeng." "Misaeng" is about four interns, hoping to secure jobs in the Korean trading company, One International. Those unfamiliar with how Koreans do business may easily find themselves intrigued and sometimes disgusted with the Korean working environment.
Still mostly a male dominated work environment, you will see that it is still a difficult and challenging place for women to break into. Being verbally abused, and even occasionally sexually harassed, despite the company guidelines forbidding it, women take on the challenge of having to "put up with it" while trying to climb the corporate ladder.
A group of interns are working at One International with the hope of securing a permanent position through a contract offer. Of course, the four interns that the series focuses on, all come from different backgrounds and have differing personality traits. What makes them interesting is that they are all complex characters, causing the viewer to find certain things endearing about each one as well as things you may be turned off by. Sounds like real life, right? And that is just one of the charms that makes this series work so well.
First, we have Geu-Rae, a highly introverted young man, who doesn't have much of an educational background. His resume is full of small, part-time jobs that cause his fellow interns to contemptuously wonder how he got the internship in the first place. Especially contemptuous is fellow intern, Baek-Gi. Unknown to most of his co-workers and even his supervisors, Geu-Rae is a champion in the classic game of bad-uk (Go). Somehow, he is able to utilize bad-uk strategies to help him solve problems. He is also able to take criticisms without taking them personally. He knows he's there due to connections, and not because of any ability that he has. Geu-Rae, therefore, knows that he has to prove himself by working even harder than any of the other interns.
Next is Young-yi, portrayed by the beautifully capable So-ra Kang as the only female intern. She is dedicated, and she already has much knowledge about the trading business. She is also able to speak several languages fluently. However, she has to take the abuse from her male colleagues, forcing her to do nothing more than retrieve coffee, get their shoes cleaned, and so forth. Somehow, she is able to do these things long enough to prove to them, that she's highly capable and only wants to serve and support her team. I cannot imagine how it must be for a Korean woman trying to succeed in such an environment where she is derided and taking constant abuse. To make matters worse, her own father tells her that he regrets that she wasn't born a boy.
Baek-Gi is the ambitious intern who is a bit prim and proper. He's a bit arrogant, and feels that certain jobs are beneath him. It takes him a while to understand why there is a learning curve in place and also to learn how to be humble and supportive. When Geu-rae, at one point, appears to be getting more recognition than him, Baek-Gi doesn't take it well as his resentment builds toward Geu-rae...until he finally learns the truth about Geu-rae's past. Baek-Gi starts off as a very unlikable character, but he quickly grows on you.
Seok Ryul is the wild, passionate, and somewhat lazy intern, who'd rather spend his time gawking at girls than working. However, his strength lies in his knowledge of the working factory man; the blue collar workers who "slave away," often in unfavorable conditions and with outdated equipment, in the company factories. He's also a bit resistant to authority, especially if he feels that he's being taken advantage of. However, he loves his fellow interns, and his friendship with all of them is important to him.
The power of this series is in the relationships between, not only the interns, but also with their co-workers. These are people who spend more time with each other than with their own families. Comradery is important to them , and they often work late hours or go out for drinks together after work.
The heart and soul of this series, rests with Mr. Sang-shik Oh (stellar performance by Sung-min Lee, who all but steals the series!), who is Geu-rae's boss of Sales Team Three. At first, Mr. Oh is reluctant and even a bit hesitant to help Geu-rae learn the job due to his lack of qualifications and experience. However, upon seeing Geu-rae's willingness to learn the job as well as his determination, Mr. Oh relents. More than that, he takes Geu-rae under his wing, and we quickly find that the two characters have a love and a respect for each other that is quite touching and heart-warming. Geu-rae, who has been alone much of his life, finds a "father-figure" in Mr. Oh.
We see our cast of characters dealing with one obstacle after another, as they struggle in the workplace; a place that is sometimes friendly, sometimes hostile, and always competitive. The stories are first-rate as well as the actors who bring these fascinating characters to light. You'll laugh, you'll cheer, and you'll occasionally even find yourself choking back tears.
You'll quickly adhere yourself to characters that you love, and despise those that you don't. In the end, I think most people would love to have a boss like Mr. Oh who demonstrates wonderful integrity, despite the back-dealings, and money-grubbing traits of many of the greedy managers around him. He looks after all of the interns, and he has no problem "tripping" those who abuse them in very funny situations.
Misaeng shouldn't be missed or overlooked. This series has it all.
Still mostly a male dominated work environment, you will see that it is still a difficult and challenging place for women to break into. Being verbally abused, and even occasionally sexually harassed, despite the company guidelines forbidding it, women take on the challenge of having to "put up with it" while trying to climb the corporate ladder.
A group of interns are working at One International with the hope of securing a permanent position through a contract offer. Of course, the four interns that the series focuses on, all come from different backgrounds and have differing personality traits. What makes them interesting is that they are all complex characters, causing the viewer to find certain things endearing about each one as well as things you may be turned off by. Sounds like real life, right? And that is just one of the charms that makes this series work so well.
First, we have Geu-Rae, a highly introverted young man, who doesn't have much of an educational background. His resume is full of small, part-time jobs that cause his fellow interns to contemptuously wonder how he got the internship in the first place. Especially contemptuous is fellow intern, Baek-Gi. Unknown to most of his co-workers and even his supervisors, Geu-Rae is a champion in the classic game of bad-uk (Go). Somehow, he is able to utilize bad-uk strategies to help him solve problems. He is also able to take criticisms without taking them personally. He knows he's there due to connections, and not because of any ability that he has. Geu-Rae, therefore, knows that he has to prove himself by working even harder than any of the other interns.
Next is Young-yi, portrayed by the beautifully capable So-ra Kang as the only female intern. She is dedicated, and she already has much knowledge about the trading business. She is also able to speak several languages fluently. However, she has to take the abuse from her male colleagues, forcing her to do nothing more than retrieve coffee, get their shoes cleaned, and so forth. Somehow, she is able to do these things long enough to prove to them, that she's highly capable and only wants to serve and support her team. I cannot imagine how it must be for a Korean woman trying to succeed in such an environment where she is derided and taking constant abuse. To make matters worse, her own father tells her that he regrets that she wasn't born a boy.
Baek-Gi is the ambitious intern who is a bit prim and proper. He's a bit arrogant, and feels that certain jobs are beneath him. It takes him a while to understand why there is a learning curve in place and also to learn how to be humble and supportive. When Geu-rae, at one point, appears to be getting more recognition than him, Baek-Gi doesn't take it well as his resentment builds toward Geu-rae...until he finally learns the truth about Geu-rae's past. Baek-Gi starts off as a very unlikable character, but he quickly grows on you.
Seok Ryul is the wild, passionate, and somewhat lazy intern, who'd rather spend his time gawking at girls than working. However, his strength lies in his knowledge of the working factory man; the blue collar workers who "slave away," often in unfavorable conditions and with outdated equipment, in the company factories. He's also a bit resistant to authority, especially if he feels that he's being taken advantage of. However, he loves his fellow interns, and his friendship with all of them is important to him.
The power of this series is in the relationships between, not only the interns, but also with their co-workers. These are people who spend more time with each other than with their own families. Comradery is important to them , and they often work late hours or go out for drinks together after work.
The heart and soul of this series, rests with Mr. Sang-shik Oh (stellar performance by Sung-min Lee, who all but steals the series!), who is Geu-rae's boss of Sales Team Three. At first, Mr. Oh is reluctant and even a bit hesitant to help Geu-rae learn the job due to his lack of qualifications and experience. However, upon seeing Geu-rae's willingness to learn the job as well as his determination, Mr. Oh relents. More than that, he takes Geu-rae under his wing, and we quickly find that the two characters have a love and a respect for each other that is quite touching and heart-warming. Geu-rae, who has been alone much of his life, finds a "father-figure" in Mr. Oh.
We see our cast of characters dealing with one obstacle after another, as they struggle in the workplace; a place that is sometimes friendly, sometimes hostile, and always competitive. The stories are first-rate as well as the actors who bring these fascinating characters to light. You'll laugh, you'll cheer, and you'll occasionally even find yourself choking back tears.
You'll quickly adhere yourself to characters that you love, and despise those that you don't. In the end, I think most people would love to have a boss like Mr. Oh who demonstrates wonderful integrity, despite the back-dealings, and money-grubbing traits of many of the greedy managers around him. He looks after all of the interns, and he has no problem "tripping" those who abuse them in very funny situations.
Misaeng shouldn't be missed or overlooked. This series has it all.
Beautiful Human Drama
droche-4996631 July 2018
This is a beautifully done simple story about an office, teamwork and relationships. After an episode or two, you are fully invested in the character Im Siwan plays and will be cheering him on. While there are no action scenes or fighting or even romance, it will grip your heart and at the end, you are disappointed it is finished.
Another brilliant Kdrama series!
minoom-697298 March 2021
In the last few years, big thanks to Netflix's wide range of international shows, I have started watching Korean and Chinese TV series and when these shows are good, they are just so brilliant unlike anything I have ever seen. These shows are much better than most of the British dramas, other International TV shows and shows that come out of Hollywood. There is no comparison, in my opinion.
Misaeng is no exception. The story of brutal Korean corporate/working culture and its effects on people of different backgrounds is so real/relatable and the acting so natural and unpretentious. The story grips you from the beginning and makes you take on a journey with every character. All the actors were so convincing in their roles especially the actors playing Jang Geu-rae and Oh Sang-shik. Sometimes, I completely forgot I was watching a TV series.
Thank you to everyone that made this thought-provoking & at times hilarious and infuriating show possible. DEFINITELY RECOMMEND.
Misaeng is no exception. The story of brutal Korean corporate/working culture and its effects on people of different backgrounds is so real/relatable and the acting so natural and unpretentious. The story grips you from the beginning and makes you take on a journey with every character. All the actors were so convincing in their roles especially the actors playing Jang Geu-rae and Oh Sang-shik. Sometimes, I completely forgot I was watching a TV series.
Thank you to everyone that made this thought-provoking & at times hilarious and infuriating show possible. DEFINITELY RECOMMEND.
an intelligent and unconventional drama
aminifatimaaa18 January 2019
I am completely captured by the competence of the writers, director, actors and producers that created this series of highly thought provoking and insightful themes of everyday working culture. Thank you for making me think and review, the complex strategies revealed in the stories and in the acting portrayed. An intelligent and unconventional K-drama that's terrific as it is polorizing.
It's warm and nice
hams_hatem1111 April 2020
I liked the setting in general and the relationships between the cast. The atmosphere is generally nice but my complaint was that the last few episodes were really slow and there were details that were just wrong and out of the blue..also the ending..not so good.
Best k-drama i ever watched
dyahjuandari1 August 2015
I can't keep writing and talking, and writing and talking, and writing and talking about Misaeng over and over again for days. I must say if u have'nt watch this drama, go watch it !! it's a drama that i rarely seen on k-drama world. i can't stop thinking about the motivations behind the characters, about how certain events complicated others, about how to put it all together. It's just well written, well directed and well prepared in details The ending it self it's so..... reasonable. As in life everything happened for a reason, and thats how nicely the story wrapped. After all, Misaeng is Incomplete Life and we are all incomplete lifes trying to become complete, Thats how Misaeng change my opinion about k-drama <3
20 Episodes are too long
swastika-6095923 November 2021
very misleading reviews
andrewcarless22 March 2023
I watched this series because the reviews were the best that I have ever seen on imdb but was very disappointed. The whole purpose of the series seemed to be to show that Korean corporate life was a jungle inhabited by a large number of deeply unpleasant people. It may be that corporate life in every country is indeed as nasty as this show suggests and all the glowing reviews were derived from the satisfaction viewers felt on seeing a realistic portrayal. But that is what documentaries are for and I prefer most of my watching to be entertainment. This series had the sketchiest plot imaginable.
"I came out into the world because I didn't work hard."
we-jopping6 April 2020
Warning: Spoilers
This show is amazing....especially the first half. I understand that they wanted to wrap the story in a happy and hopeful way, but the pain and struggles of Jang Geu-rae's first few weeks as an intern contain some of the most accurate depictions of real life work dynamics and moving episodes of tv I have ever watched in my life. I also loved the complexity of every single character and that the portrayals were not overdone which made them feel real.
In any case, Jang Geu-rae and Senior Manager Oh are the most inspiring characters I have seen on screen in a long time. Business and Sales Team 3 forever!
Amazing
rahmaliagusdina28 June 2020
what a amazing show!
sadiqm90016 October 2019
I really didn't have any expectations and I thought it would be like the office, comedy or work place romance.
I was totally wrong, I saw this show as learning experience, I think you can use it in any working place. But most importantly thing I like about this show was it reminded me that we all have our problems and stuff and sometimes that gets our way, to achieve our dreams.
I can talk on this for hours haha
I really hope that you give it a chance and thank you Netflix for suggesting it for me 🙏🏾
amazing
alvaro-660-77820822 September 2015
I am from Spain and I have been improving my, once very poor, English to something I can communicate with. I did it mixing the little knowledge I had while living in england for 8 months when I was young. I'm BAD at learning other languages but I tried my best making a big effort to never seeing any movie, TV show or anything related dubbed (in Spain, everything is dubbed.. and that's one of the reasons, if not the main one, our youngsters sucks at English)
I started with subtitles in my language... changed for subtitles in English and finally with no subtitles at all (It took many years).
And the point is... If people wouldn't cast their votes based on their own experience while watching it (reading subtitles) this TV show would never had such a low grade as 7.5 which many of you may thing is quite good.
This TV show deserves much, much more... if You are up to make an effort. Trust me you will never forget this show (and Mr. Oh)
I started with subtitles in my language... changed for subtitles in English and finally with no subtitles at all (It took many years).
And the point is... If people wouldn't cast their votes based on their own experience while watching it (reading subtitles) this TV show would never had such a low grade as 7.5 which many of you may thing is quite good.
This TV show deserves much, much more... if You are up to make an effort. Trust me you will never forget this show (and Mr. Oh)
The best K-Drama I've seen so far
nemosyntax11 July 2020
No romance or high school genres here. Not a lot of violence either. It's a totally believable storyline but dramaticized to hold everyone's interest. Plus it's an open ending which I choose to interpret as a happy ending. So not the usual "Good God why is this stuff so dark?!" ending. I keep telling everyone to watch this since it's SO GOOD.
Absolutely fabulous show❤
veenaganapathy-0494113 February 2021
Give us a job !
alaningle77 June 2021
4 interns join a large Korean trading company and find how hard office life is. A poor reflection on the average salaryman as most of the people in charge are misogynistic bullies who are so interested in securing their standing in the company that they have no time for empathy for their fellow workers. Well acted but with little character development it may be better appreciated by Koreans who may recognise some of the daily difficulties of company life as most of their behaviour is alien to me.
Great Korean Office Drama
franklindf18 January 2021
People might automatically assume this is some sort of Korean spinoff of the American version of "The Office"; this could not be further from the truth. It's a fairly unique show that is hard to summarize. The setting is a Korean international trade conglomerate that brings in a new group of interns every year. The interns who demonstrate the most ability are then invited to stay as permanent employees, or as long term contractors. Although it's funny at times, the show dives really deep into the business side of things and does not gloss over the trading industry. For someone interested in business, it's quite enlightening. Beyond that, it's culturally very interesting because it's very specific to how business is conducted in Korea with the very clearly defined etiquette and order that every employee must follow. The interns are on the bottom of the office hierarchy and are abused and treated terribly with impunity by all the more senior staff. They are shouted at, humiliated, and expected to perform to exorbitant lengths. This causes a very strong bond among the interns who share one anothers' plight. The inter-personal relationships are very deep in this show, and very nuanced. Each character has a distinct and well developed personality, and the show mixes all of these people together in compelling and interesting ways, as the main focus. It feels like a very realistic office environment, but the characters keep things interesting without much exaggeration. There is some humor, but it's not a comedy, and it doesn't focus on romance - it focuses on the professional side, but it's never boring. The character development is so strong and well portrayed that it's easy to connect emotionally with the characters and immerse yourself in their world.
It must really suck to work in a Korean office
wedmcdfcdjlbctenqn27 May 2022
This show starts out really good if you ignore the 007 preview we get of the future in the beginning minutes, which sort of alludes to the weak ending you're going to get. You'll instantly want to see what happens to the "newbies" who enter this company on their road as hopeful future employees.
The actors do an amazing job portraying their characters. The most stand out for me is Oh Sang-shik as the office deputy, but really everybody did great. They really made you root and care for the 4 co-workers and the very small number of employees who aren't horrible human beings.
Now I don't know how realistic this show is, but damn. Office violence, sexual harassment, backstabbing, horrible bosses, bribes, unjust use of power positions. Why do they even want to work at this place?
The obvious answer is money. However this show somehow is trying to glorify some weird worker mentality: Act like a subservient slave and your bosses will warm up to you and treat you better in time. A boss who is not training you at all and treating you like an annoyance, is simply trying to teach you patience and humility. You of course can't "rat" out your superiors even if they do shady things, these things will fix themselves.
People are treated horribly in this show. Don't worry though because even though your direct superior might practically be a sociopath, the highest boss in the company is a sooper dooper nice guy, and if you remind him that it's "our company" which goes from the smallest of the company to the highest, then we'll all have a Disney moment where we'll want to stay longer at work......
The nicest boss in the show literally orders the newbies to work themselves to the bone in the weekend (as in they are not getting paid) for something which has nothing to do with their job, and the show treats it like it's some fun get together.
There's also some unrealistic and weird storylines added in to create 'chaos', but I guess that's ok. How else are you going to fill 20 episodes of showing things which happen in the office? Like say the reason Young-Yi was mad with her former boss. You'd think he did something horrible from their interactions, I'm not going to spoil it but damn what a useless side story that became.
It's an interesting, be it long, watch-through. The last episodes are not nearly as good as the initial episodes. Still a worthwhile watch, it's definitely better than average.
The actors do an amazing job portraying their characters. The most stand out for me is Oh Sang-shik as the office deputy, but really everybody did great. They really made you root and care for the 4 co-workers and the very small number of employees who aren't horrible human beings.
Now I don't know how realistic this show is, but damn. Office violence, sexual harassment, backstabbing, horrible bosses, bribes, unjust use of power positions. Why do they even want to work at this place?
The obvious answer is money. However this show somehow is trying to glorify some weird worker mentality: Act like a subservient slave and your bosses will warm up to you and treat you better in time. A boss who is not training you at all and treating you like an annoyance, is simply trying to teach you patience and humility. You of course can't "rat" out your superiors even if they do shady things, these things will fix themselves.
People are treated horribly in this show. Don't worry though because even though your direct superior might practically be a sociopath, the highest boss in the company is a sooper dooper nice guy, and if you remind him that it's "our company" which goes from the smallest of the company to the highest, then we'll all have a Disney moment where we'll want to stay longer at work......
The nicest boss in the show literally orders the newbies to work themselves to the bone in the weekend (as in they are not getting paid) for something which has nothing to do with their job, and the show treats it like it's some fun get together.
There's also some unrealistic and weird storylines added in to create 'chaos', but I guess that's ok. How else are you going to fill 20 episodes of showing things which happen in the office? Like say the reason Young-Yi was mad with her former boss. You'd think he did something horrible from their interactions, I'm not going to spoil it but damn what a useless side story that became.
It's an interesting, be it long, watch-through. The last episodes are not nearly as good as the initial episodes. Still a worthwhile watch, it's definitely better than average.
Fundamentally flawed
grahamf-555428 January 2023
I really wanted to like this. I'm a relative newbie on K-drama and I loved the first two I watched (Astonishing Attorney Woo and Designated Survivor - 60 days). Unlike so many other reviewers, this one just didn't do it for me.
I ought to confess that I had no intention of abandoning it but somewhere during E7 I felt it was going nowhere slowly. So I did something I'd never tried before, and skimmed part of E19 and E20.
I accept that is a weird thing to do and some may say I don't really qualify to give a rating, but I wanted to record what the main problems were, in my view.
Early on, I liked the way the scene was set for the new intern to find his way in the office. Then the link with baduk also looked good. Even though have never played that game, it was a neat parallel.
But then the flaws became apparent. I had a problem with the extreme behaviour in the office. Being unfamiliar with Korean culture I assume this was never intended as realistic. But I found it impossible to suspend disbelief here over such a long series.
In particular, I was troubled by the lurching between extreme obsequiousness and equally extreme aggressiveness. As another reviewer commented, perhaps this works better from the perspective of someone used to Korean culture. But I was confused and disconcerted by it all.
Another problem was that the work processes never moved from being totally confusing. I suppose that was deliberate, but again it didn't work over so many hours of drama.
Many of the hours I watched were very slow indeed. The central character rarely changed his expression and spoke little. I couldn't tell what was really going on in his character and from my brief visits to E19 and 20 it really didn't look as though he, or any of the other main characters had developed.
I won't give up on K-drama, but this was disappointing.
I ought to confess that I had no intention of abandoning it but somewhere during E7 I felt it was going nowhere slowly. So I did something I'd never tried before, and skimmed part of E19 and E20.
I accept that is a weird thing to do and some may say I don't really qualify to give a rating, but I wanted to record what the main problems were, in my view.
Early on, I liked the way the scene was set for the new intern to find his way in the office. Then the link with baduk also looked good. Even though have never played that game, it was a neat parallel.
But then the flaws became apparent. I had a problem with the extreme behaviour in the office. Being unfamiliar with Korean culture I assume this was never intended as realistic. But I found it impossible to suspend disbelief here over such a long series.
In particular, I was troubled by the lurching between extreme obsequiousness and equally extreme aggressiveness. As another reviewer commented, perhaps this works better from the perspective of someone used to Korean culture. But I was confused and disconcerted by it all.
Another problem was that the work processes never moved from being totally confusing. I suppose that was deliberate, but again it didn't work over so many hours of drama.
Many of the hours I watched were very slow indeed. The central character rarely changed his expression and spoke little. I couldn't tell what was really going on in his character and from my brief visits to E19 and 20 it really didn't look as though he, or any of the other main characters had developed.
I won't give up on K-drama, but this was disappointing.
Compelling
d319315 March 2022
The opening sequence, shot in Jordan, suggests we are in for 20 episodes of action. Nothing could be farther from the truth.
Office politics in a large Korean corporation. But don't switch this off.
As a westerner, much of what goes on is, well, 'foreign' to me. The hierarchy, the Korean sense of what is proper and who is to be respected, how to address your co-workers - most of these are very different in the society I was raised in. And the subtitles need some interpreting. But I couldn't stop watching.
It doesn't matter that some of the episodes revolve around arcane corporate issues. What does matter is how the leading characters handle the situations they are thrown into. And the writing doesn't let us off with the facile resolutions we have come to expect. It also avoids the easy 'office romance' - basically there aren't any, and the series is better for it.
I have to wonder if there is really so much shouting at work, and as much sexism today, or if alcohol consumption in the Korean business world is as shown here - but maybe this is an accurate portrayal, and livers don't last for long.
By the last few episodes I was devastated by what was happening to characters I had come to care deeply about.
There's almost a happy ending, which also explains the strange opening sequence in Jordan. But that's not really what this series is about.
Try it. Give in to it. And you'll surprise yourself by falling in love with the most unlikely people.
Office politics in a large Korean corporation. But don't switch this off.
As a westerner, much of what goes on is, well, 'foreign' to me. The hierarchy, the Korean sense of what is proper and who is to be respected, how to address your co-workers - most of these are very different in the society I was raised in. And the subtitles need some interpreting. But I couldn't stop watching.
It doesn't matter that some of the episodes revolve around arcane corporate issues. What does matter is how the leading characters handle the situations they are thrown into. And the writing doesn't let us off with the facile resolutions we have come to expect. It also avoids the easy 'office romance' - basically there aren't any, and the series is better for it.
I have to wonder if there is really so much shouting at work, and as much sexism today, or if alcohol consumption in the Korean business world is as shown here - but maybe this is an accurate portrayal, and livers don't last for long.
By the last few episodes I was devastated by what was happening to characters I had come to care deeply about.
There's almost a happy ending, which also explains the strange opening sequence in Jordan. But that's not really what this series is about.
Try it. Give in to it. And you'll surprise yourself by falling in love with the most unlikely people.
The high (few) and lows (many) of a newbies life in corporate South Korea
kunagueroooooo1 January 2023
...This review Ignores the first 5 minutes and last 15 minutes of this series...
This series is about life as a newbie in the corporate business world in South Korea. How accurate it is, I have no idea but its riveting stuff.
Four newbies (temps.) enter the hostile world of a large trading company and we watch them (3 boys and 1 girl) as they try and progress and become a permanent employee (which takes 2 years). Three of the temps have a good chance of being taken on full time but the fourth has little to no chance as he is only there on a recommendation from the boss's friend.
Each newbie is assigned to a different team and with the girl (Ahn Young-Yi played by Kang So-Ra) getting a very sexist group. The main focus is on newbie Jang Geu-Rae (played by Yim Si-Wan) who has no idea of business life placed into a team led by Oh Sang-Shik (played by Lee Sung-Min) who doesn't really want him there.
After a few episodes we hear why Oh Sang-Shik doesn't really want him there, his last temp may have committed suicide. As time goes by the manager (Oh) goes out of his way to help Jang Geu-Rae become the best employee he can be.
My favourite newbie is Han Seok-Ryul (played by Byun Yo-Han) who is a hands-on, touchy-feelie kind of person whose immediate superior is a nasty, lying, cheating low life person.
This may sound like a series you might want to give a miss but don't, its very very good with all the well written stories coming together nicely. Lee Sung-Min who plays manager Oh is exceptional, when he laughs, you laugh, when he cries, you cry, a flawless performance.
Does anyone know the connection between the dead girl and Jang Geu-Rae ???
...The first 5 minutes and the last 15 minutes are just a happy ending tacked on to make some people happy. It has no real bearing on the show...
Four newbies (temps.) enter the hostile world of a large trading company and we watch them (3 boys and 1 girl) as they try and progress and become a permanent employee (which takes 2 years). Three of the temps have a good chance of being taken on full time but the fourth has little to no chance as he is only there on a recommendation from the boss's friend.
Each newbie is assigned to a different team and with the girl (Ahn Young-Yi played by Kang So-Ra) getting a very sexist group. The main focus is on newbie Jang Geu-Rae (played by Yim Si-Wan) who has no idea of business life placed into a team led by Oh Sang-Shik (played by Lee Sung-Min) who doesn't really want him there.
After a few episodes we hear why Oh Sang-Shik doesn't really want him there, his last temp may have committed suicide. As time goes by the manager (Oh) goes out of his way to help Jang Geu-Rae become the best employee he can be.
My favourite newbie is Han Seok-Ryul (played by Byun Yo-Han) who is a hands-on, touchy-feelie kind of person whose immediate superior is a nasty, lying, cheating low life person.
This may sound like a series you might want to give a miss but don't, its very very good with all the well written stories coming together nicely. Lee Sung-Min who plays manager Oh is exceptional, when he laughs, you laugh, when he cries, you cry, a flawless performance.
Does anyone know the connection between the dead girl and Jang Geu-Rae ???
...The first 5 minutes and the last 15 minutes are just a happy ending tacked on to make some people happy. It has no real bearing on the show...
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